An employment lawyer is launching a new career for herself as a writer – and she’s already been tipped to become the next J.K. Rowling.
Despite only releasing her debut novel earlier this year, fantasy author Hannah Byrnes is already causing a stir in the literary world, drawing favourable comparisons to the much-loved works of the Harry Potter creator.
By day the 36-year- old, who lives in Salford Quays, is an employment law consultant at Avensure Ltd, working with clients across the country on everything from employee contracts to employment tribunals.
At night, however, she is busy creating a fantasy world bustling with majestic dragons, mysterious wizards and hidden temples, and armies of giant iron birds.
Her first novel, young adult adventure The Dragon Children: The Prophecy has attracted glowing feedback since its publication last month, and Hannah is already hard at work on a follow-up set for release this autumn.
The author, who writes under the pen name ‘Hannah Byrnes’ and cites Rowling and The Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien among her literary heroes, says the support she has received from her growing international fan base has helped spur her on despite the heavy demands on her time.
She said: “The response from children as well as adults has been overwhelming. I always hoped people would enjoy my novels, but I’ve had emails from readers across the world telling me that they love the fantasy world I created.
“Some have even compared my work to that of J.K. Rowling, saying that they’ve found the characters to be believable and identifiable with, which is a huge compliment.
“One child who is currently transitioning gender wrote to me to say the young protagonists have really helped inspire her during this difficult time, in the way that they don’t conform to the typical boy/girl stereotypes.
“That sort of feedback means so much and drives me to continue despite the heavy demands of holding down a full-time job and dedicating pretty much every evening to writing.”
The Dragon Children follows teenagers Kai and Bridget as they are plucked from their ordinary lives and transported to a world of mystery and magic.
There they must set out on a seemingly impossible quest to defeat the evil Iron Queen and fulfil an ancient prophecy that tells of a time when dragons will rule the skies once more.
Hannah, a self-confessed “geek”, admits that her second career is a far cry from the “stuffy” perception of legal eagles.
But for the author it is just the latest in a long line of forays into the entertainment world, as she has previously been an actress, appearing as an extra in films including ‘90s Hollywood blockbusters First Knight and ITV show Children’s Ward.
She has also travelled the world as a singer and musician, including an appearance at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, before completing a law degree through the Open University in 2007.
Aside from her day job, she says she is focused on writing and has just launched a new publishing house, Flamesteed, to not only release her books but those of other aspiring fantasy authors as well.
These include 22 schoolchildren from across Greater Manchester and Altrincham who entered a writing competition judged by Hannah to describe their favourite mythical creature.
Having turned these into full-blown stories of goblins, Welsh dragons, yetis and unicorns, the author has now released Book of the Boggart, with all proceeds going to children’s charity Make-A- Wish UK, which grants wishes to youngsters with life-threatening illnesses.
Hannah added: “Obviously there is a bit of risk involved with launching a publishing house but sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and see what happens.
“I’ve found a fantastic artist, Michelle Tolo, to design covers for Flamesteed and there are a lot of talented writers out there who just need to get their first break.
“I’m excited to be helping them find their footing and, through Book of the Boggart, encouraging the next generation of writing talent while also developing my own writing career.”
The Author has pledged 100% of the royalties from Book of the Boggart to Make-A-Wish® Foundation UK to help grant magical wishes for children and young people who are living with life-threatening conditions.
The Dragon Children: The Prophecy by Hannah Byrnes is priced £5.99 in paperback and £1.99 as an eBook. Visit Hannah Byrne’s website for more.
